~~~ A little story about our shop & process ~~~

Making handmade items and being "crafty" has always been in my blood since I was a little girl. My Grandmother Beatrice taught me how to sew which quickly grew into my past time. In 2007, I started a children's clothing boutique (Little Angels Boutique) but then stumbled onto doing some hand stamping which has now become my #1 passion. My business quickly grew into more than just a past time and in 2016, I re-branded my businesses which is now known as Anna Bea Designs (after my Grandmother Bea)

Hand stamped products are different than engraving as it is done by an individual and not a machine. Engraving is usually done by computer guided lasers to create a look with evenly spaced letters and a consistent depth of letters, whereas hand stamping has a more personal, old world charm to it.

Hand Stamping is the process of using small metal stamps and a variety of hammers and tools. Each letter and design is an individual steel stamp. The stamp is placed onto the metal piece, then hammered to impress the letter or design into the metal. This process is done for every single letter, character and design. Hand stamped products will have variations in character depth, spacing and color. There is often some marking or indentation to the back of thinner metal created by the impression of the stamp onto the metal.

Our heavy duty 22 gauge shiny stainless steel products have the look of sterling silver but allow us to offer products that are beautiful, affordable & durable. It is hypo allergenic, does not rust, change color or tarnish and because it is so durable, items crafted with this metal will not bend easily making it a product that can be treasured for a lifetime.

Using a variety of metals, but mainly stainless steel, my new love for metals, tools and hammers has grown into a business where I design and create beautiful hand stamped custom and personalized gifts.

~~~ Volunteering & Giving Back~~~

We love to help out charitable organizations and our favorite organization to support is United for Kids Foundation.

What is United for Kids Foundation?

In 2010, Sherry and Roy Clarke were vacationing in the Dominican Republic and saw the need for assistance with schooling, basic needs and help for children in the Rio San Juan, DR area. They started an non-profit organization and have been tirelessly travelling back and forth to the area, raising money in their hometown of Springdale, NL and delivering supplies and programs for children in the Dominican Republic.

Their charitable organization has received great community support in their hometown and abroad. Sherry and Roy have traveled to the Dominican Republic with volunteers many times, sometimes twice a year, to ensure school children have the necessary clothing, medical help and supplies to foster a good learning experience. Community support has also allowed money to be raised for Christmas stockings for children there and family and friends donated money to help them with a van to transport supplies and food hampers to needy families in remote areas.

In 2014, myself along with my mother, had the opportunity to visit the Rio San Juan, DR area with my Aunt & Uncle, Sherry & Roy Clarke. We saw the need for food, water, clothing, medical care and much more first hand. At Anna Bea Designs, we are happy to help with the United for Kids Foundation any way possible. Gracious!

Vanessa ♥